Rio commits to $41m China joint venture

Rio Tinto has committed to a 200 million yuan ($A41 million) joint venture with state-owned China Minmetals to explore mineral deposits in China.

The 50-50 venture, which is subject to regulatory approval, formalises the technical agreement reached between the parties in November.

"The formalisation of the exploration joint venture is an important milestone in our growing partnership with China and Minmetals, who is an increasingly important player in the global mining industry," Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said in a statement.